The Gulf of Naples starts with the Isle of Ischia, past the naturally beautiful city setting of Naples, through to the Sorrento peninsula and the Isle of Capri. The Riviera continues past Capri into the Gulf of Salerno with the Amalfi coast offering up such wildly picturesque towns as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. When you see Capri, you can understand why the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius spend so much time there - superb views, luxuriant gardens, high cliffs and deep coves are but a few of the many attractions. And the unspoilt hill villages on the Isle of Ischia will amaze with their wild flowers, pinewoods, vineyards and chestnut trees edged by the rugged coastline and secluded sandy beaches. Pompeii is a must - for you can see so many reminders of the Roman way of life. Sorrento has a wonderful array of tiny shops, offering locally made lace, marquetry and Capodimonte porcelain, as well as countless cafes, bars and restaurants in which to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant Mediterranean resort. Local Food Fresh fish reigns supreme, especially alici (anchovies), sarde (sardines) and sgombro (mackerel). Try them prepared with local tomatoes and lemons. Zuppa di pesce (fish soup) is a must. And try the alla Napoletana dishes - cooked with capers, tomatoes, black olives and garlic. For a quick snack, mozzarella in carrozza (fried cheese sandwich). For meat and fish lovers, impepata di cozze (mussels with garlic, parsley and pepper), veal escalope or steak alla pizzaiola (with tomatoes, garlic and oregano). There are classic vegetables dishes to sample too - gattó di patate alla parmigiana (potatoes and aubergines), or a scapace (with zucchini in a tomato sauce). For desserts, try the peaches, or pastiera (ricotta pie with candied fruit and spices) or sfogliatelle (sweet ricotta turnovers). And mozzarella, provola and scamorza are the tasty local cheeses.
The Neapolitan Rivier
The Gulf of Naples starts with the Isle of Ischia, past the naturally beautiful city setting of Naples, through to the Sorrento peninsula and the Isle of Capri. The Riviera continues past Capri into the Gulf of Salerno with the Amalfi coast offering up such wildly picturesque towns as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. When you see Capri, you can understand why the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius spend so much time there - superb views, luxuriant gardens, high cliffs and deep coves are but a few of the many attractions. And the unspoilt hill villages on the Isle of Ischia will amaze with their wild flowers, pinewoods, vineyards and chestnut trees edged by the rugged coastline and secluded sandy beaches. Pompeii is a must - for you can see so many reminders of the Roman way of life. Sorrento has a wonderful array of tiny shops, offering locally made lace, marquetry and Capodimonte porcelain, as well as countless cafes, bars and restaurants in which to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant Mediterranean resort.
Local Food
Fresh fish reigns supreme, especially alici (anchovies), sarde (sardines) and sgombro (mackerel). Try them prepared with local tomatoes and lemons. Zuppa di pesce (fish soup) is a must. And try the alla Napoletana dishes - cooked with capers, tomatoes, black olives and garlic. For a quick snack, mozzarella in carrozza (fried cheese sandwich). For meat and fish lovers, impepata di cozze (mussels with garlic, parsley and pepper), veal escalope or steak alla pizzaiola (with tomatoes, garlic and oregano). There are classic vegetables dishes to sample too - gattó di patate alla parmigiana (potatoes and aubergines), or a scapace (with zucchini in a tomato sauce). For desserts, try the peaches, or pastiera (ricotta pie with candied fruit and spices) or sfogliatelle (sweet ricotta turnovers). And mozzarella, provola and scamorza are the tasty local cheeses.